Tuesday, February 22, 2000

Sepulveda Basin Dam Area Has Been Closed Until Further Notice

Van Nuys - On Friday, February 20, 2000, at 7:00 p.m., the Sepulveda Basin Dam has been closed until further notice due to heavy rainfall causing the dam to rise to dangerous levels. According to Army Corp of Engineering, the danger level for the dam is 684 feet. At 7:00 p.m., the water level was at 680 feet. At 7:45 p.m., the water level had risen to 682.6 feet.

The area closed encompasses Burbank Boulevard on the South, Balboa Boulevard on the West, Victory Boulevard on the North, and the 405 Freeway on the East.

The Sepulveda Basin Dam has been evacuated. The 405 Freeway is still open, however the Burbank Boulevard off and on ramps is closed until further notice.

If the water level reaches 700 feet, the California Highway Patrol will close the 405 Freeway.

Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.